Anthony Moten Commits to Miami: Hurricanes Land Massive 4-Star DT

Miami added a crucial element to its 2014 recruiting class Wednesday, picking up a commitment from dominant defensive tackle Anthony Moten (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), according to the Miami Sun Sentinel. The 6'4", 280-pound St. Thomas Aquinas standout has instant-impact potential on the Hurricanes defensive front.

Moten, a 4-star recruit, is ranked the nation's No. 17 prospect at his position and the No. 23 overall senior player in Florida by 247Sports. He compiled 30 tackles and four sacks as a junior, anchoring a formidable Raiders defense.

The Hurricanes have a longstanding relationship with Moten, who also held offers from Florida, South Carolina and Alabama. That played a key role in his commitment, along with input from his family.

"It came down to my family," he said during an interview with South Florida High School Sports. "And I've been knowing (defensive coordinator) coach (Mark) D'Onofrio and coach (Al) Golden since my freshman year."

Miami's current roster features several St. Thomas Aquinas products. Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, offensive lineman Brandon Linder and defensive lineman Jelani Hamilton all hail from the Raiders program.

Moten will be counted on to immediately add to a defensive line that lacks substantial depth. Golden has expressed confidence in collecting talent with his program's NCAA sanctions now known.

“We’re still nowhere we want to be on the defensive line in terms of depth and rotation and all of that, Golden told the Sun Sentinel. "That is what it is. We have no excuses moving forward. The handcuffs are off now and we expect to be able to do that.”

Moten's commitment gives Miami three 4-star defensive lineman in its 2014 class. He joins Travonte Valentine (Hialeah, Fla.) and Chad Thomas (Miami, Fla.).

The Hurricanes now hold 28 commitments. The class is currently ranked sixth nationally by 247Sports.